Description

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 6605 in 18k pink gold, dating from approximately 1956 to 1960, and presented in good, honest vintage condition on a tan leather strap. The case is unpolished, the original profiles and bevels of the pink gold Oyster case are intact, the lugs retain their definition, and the warm rose tone of the gold has developed the subtle depth that only decades of wear can produce. The dial has aged to a beautiful warm champagne with an even, granular patina that collectors describe as tropical or honeyed, a surface that is original, unrestored, and entirely unrepeatable. This is a Datejust that has earned its character and wears it honestly.

Reference 6605 – The Pink Gold Datejust at Its Rarest

The Rolex Datejust was first introduced in 1945, and its history through the following decade is one of continuous refinement: the case grew from its earliest bubble-back proportions into the 36mm Oyster form that defines the model today, the fluted bezel was established as the signature dress configuration, and the Jubilee bracelet was developed as its natural companion. Through this evolution, Rolex produced the Datejust in a range of metals, steel, yellow gold, white gold, and, in the smallest quantities of all, rose gold.

The ref. 6605 was produced from approximately 1955 to 1960, succeeding the bubble-back ref. 6305 and introducing a flat caseback made possible by the new Calibre 1065. In pink gold, the reference is exceptionally rare: where steel and yellow gold examples surface with some regularity on the secondary market, a rose gold 6605 in unpolished condition with an original patina dial represents a genuinely uncommon find. The warm, slightly darker tone of the 1950s Rolex rose gold alloy is distinct from the Everose gold used by Rolex today – less pink, closer to yellow, with a warmth that the modern alloy does not quite replicate.

The 6605 is also notable for its transitional character. It was among the first Datejust references to carry the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” wording on the dial, a designation that reflected Rolex’s in-house chronometer testing programme and remains one of the definitive marks of the mid-century Datejust. And in its early examples, the date window at 3 o’clock featured the roulette date wheel: alternating red and black numerals that advance through the month with the visual charm of a small mechanical theatre.

Calibre 1065 – The Butterfly Movement

The movement inside this watch is the Rolex Calibre 1065: a 25-jewel automatic nicknamed the “butterfly” for the distinctive shape of its bidirectional winding rotor, which Rolex developed to allow a flat caseback for the first time on the Datejust. Prior to the 1065, the Datejust’s automatic movement required the famous bubble-back caseback to accommodate the rotor’s geometry, a distinctive and beloved feature of the earlier references, but one that limited how flat and elegant the watch could be. The Calibre 1065 solved this problem and enabled the sleek, flat profile of the 6605 that makes it so wearable as a dress watch.

The movement is adjusted to five positions and temperature, certified as a Superlative Chronometer, and carries a 48-hour power reserve when fully wound. It is regarded by collectors as one of the most reliable and accurate vintage Rolex movements produced, strong enough for daily wear, precise enough to satisfy any chronometer standard.

The Dial – Honest Patina

The dial on this example has aged to a warm champagne tone with a fine, even granular patina across the surface, the characteristic “honeyed” or tropical ageing that occurs on the gilt dials of this era as the lacquer interacts with decades of light, temperature change and humidity. This is not damage or deterioration. It is the authentic record of a dial that has never been touched, never been refinished, and never been restored. The applied baton indices are original, the “Rolex / Oyster Perpetual / Datejust” signature is crisp, and the “Superlative Chronometer / Officially Certified” text below reads clearly. The original lance hands are present and undamaged.

For collectors who understand the distinction between a restored dial and an original one, this patina is precisely what they are looking for. A refinished dial can approximate the colour; it cannot replicate the texture, the depth, or the specific character of ageing that this surface carries.

Specifications

Brand: Rolex

Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust – Automatic

Reference: 6605

Year: circa 1956-1960

Case material: Pink gold-tone (18k pink/rose gold)

Case diameter: 36 mm

Bezel: Fluted pink gold bezel

Dial: Champagne patina dial with applied baton indices, warm honeyed ageing

Hands: Original lance hands

Strap: Tan leather strap

Movement: Automatic – Calibre 1065, 25 jewels, Superlative Chronometer certified

Condition: Good vintage condition with honest unpolished case and original patina dial

Accessories: Watch only (no box or papers)

Warranty: 1 year warranty

Availability

This vintage day-date automatic watch is available through Vintage Times Amsterdam.

For further information or high-resolution images, please feel free to contact:

Vintage Times

Vintage Times Amsterdam is a small watch boutique who mainly deals online and with a select group of private collectors. We are constantly looking for rare vintage timepieces and try to present the best condition available. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact for more information about this watch or other timepieces from our collection. We ship worldwide and also welcome you for a visit at our office in Amsterdam.

Vintage Times

email: [email protected]

tel / app: +31 6 4 1111 044